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It’s important to know how to clean mold since the presence of mold in your home can cause health problems for many people — especially those with conditions such as asthma, COPD, allergies, lung conditions, or who are immune compromised. If you have any of those conditions, you should definitely NOT stay in a home with mold — or even be staying inside the home when it is being cleaned.

Of course, getting to the point where mold has grown to dangerous levels can usually be prevented — so these tips may help you limit your exposure to mold by cleaning it in its early stages, before it becomes a hazard. And if you need professional Mold Remediation services, we’re here for you!

Most commonly, we find mold in bathrooms where there moisture builds up due to lack of ventilation. Mold thrives in warm, humid environments and spreads quickly. Bathroom surfaces are mostly “nonporous” — like sinks, hard countertops, tile or grout — but you may also need to clean mold on “porous” surfaces as well — such as wood or drywall. We’ve got you covered there… read on for the three best mold-killing household chemicals no matter what your surface type.

But First… Dress for Success!

When cleaning mold, it’s best to protect yourself from exposure by wearing protective clothing (like a long sleeved sweatshirt), goggles, gloves and a facemask. Not only will this be important to prevent exposure to the mold itself, but also protect you from possible splash-back of chemical solutions you may be using to clean and kill the mold (like bleach).

What’s the Best Product for Cleaning Mold?

What’s best to use for cleaning mold? Bleach? Vinegar? Hydrogen Peroxide? You have options!

How to Clean Mold Using Bleach

Bleach is probably the most common mold-killer for nonporous surfaces (like tile, grout and ceramic), but not so effective on porous surfaces (like wood or drywall). The CDC guideline is to create a solution by mixing 1 cup bleach with 1 gallon of water. It may be helpful to fill a spray bottle to use when cleaning hard to reach places.

1. Apply the bleach solution to the moldy surface
2. Let it sit for 15 minutes
3. Scrub off the mold — an old toothbrush works well for grout
4. Rinse off with water
5. Dry the surface thoroughly

The drawback for using bleach is the fumes which can cause irritation, so good ventilation is important. Also, NEVER mix bleach with other chemicals — like ammonia, vinegar, or other cleaning solutions — as the combination may cause dangerous and even potentially deadly fumes!

Another drawback to using bleach is that it may remove color if used on certain colored materials. Test it first on a small unnoticeable area and see if it causes discoloration. If so, use something like vinegar instead.

Finally, it’s best not to use bleach when cleaning mold in a refrigerator as it is not food-safe. Instead, use vinegar (see next).

How to Clean Mold Using Vinegar

Vinegar is another good mold-killer, effective for killing over 82% of mold species on both nonporous AND porous surfaces. It’s a good, inexpensive non-toxic alternative to bleach. Use undiluted white vinegar. Sure, your house may smell like a deli for a while, but it’s safer and less irritating than bleach!

1. Apply to the moldy surface (use a spray bottle)
2. Let it sit for 1 hour
3. Scrub off the mold
4. Wipe clean and let the surface dry

How to Clean Mold Using Hydrogen Peroxide

Hydrogen Peroxide — which you can find in most grocery stores and drug stores — is also a moderately effective cleaner, if not a bit more expensive as an option. It works well on nonporous surfaces (tile, grout, ceramics) but not quite as good as bleach. However, it doesn’t have the issue of fumes like bleach does, so if you’re sensitive to bleach’s irritating effects, hydrogen peroxide may be a good alternative.

1. Apply hydrogen peroxide to the moldy surface (use a spray bottle)
2. Let sit for 10 minutes or until it stops bubbling
3. Scrub off the mold
4. Wipe clean and let the surface dry

Tips for Cleaning Mold on Porous Surfaces

Whether you use the bleach solution or vinegar for cleaning porous surfaces like wood or drywall, it’s important to note a few things:

1. Mix a little dish detergent with your cleaning solution.
2. Apply the solution with dish detergent to the surface using a sponge or mop, but be careful not to oversaturate the surface.
3. Do not rinse the solution away, but instead allow to air dry.

Last Step – The Cleanup!

It’s important to properly clean up after your efforts in order to prevent the mold from returning, so these tips may help:

1. Seal any used rags, gloves, or moldy materials in a garbage bag
2. Clean safety equipment like goggles with hot water and soap
3. Soak any brushes you used in your bleach solution or vinegar for an hour before rinsing them off.
4. Make sure everything is dry before storing.
5. Wash your clothes right away — don’t let them sit in the hamper! Use hot water and don’t wash other clothes with them.

We hope these cleaning tips help to reduce your exposure to mold in your home to keep you healthy! For expert help, reach out to us first… Mold Remediation experts are always available.

Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup, and even other services like mold remediation, upholstery or carpet steam cleaning and window cleaning… we handle it all, so give us a call. We are your ONE-STOP-SHOP for taking care of your home.

Always… At Your Service!
Call Howard: 949.215.9550

Knowing how to clean your couch can be one of the most important bits of cleaning knowledge to keep your Living Room looking great.

After all, no matter what time of year or occasion — whether it’s the Holidays, or just “movie night” — your couch is probably the most popular piece of furniture in your Living Room. Just ask your other pieces of furniture. They’ll probably express how jealous they are of your couch getting all that attention. Boo hoo.

Of course, as a piece of furniture, being so darn popular has its downside. A nice glass of vintage 1982 Château Lafite-Rothschild may taste heavenly (if you’re a wine lover) but it makes for a truly hellish dark red stain on your thirsty couch.

And when the kids come back from swimming in deep puddles of mud (or whatever they do out there) and plop themselves down for a four-hour session of video games, your friendly couch seems more than happy to get the party started — and acquire some rather unattractive mud stains in the process. Then the dog joins in. Ugh.

Since we love our couches too, we thought we’d share some helpful tips for how to clean your couch and tackle those inevitable stains and spills.

Couch Cleaning 101: “Know Thy Couch Material”

Stop! Grabbing the nearest soapy sponge and frantically scrubbing away is most likely NOT your best move!

First, take a breath. Don’t panic. Although you don’t want to let the stain set-in and dry, your couch isn’t going to get any more stained than it already is. (Not sure that makes you feel better. Sorry.)

Now, locate those helpful tags you might find along the base of your couch, or attached to one or more of its cushions. You’ll want to identify exactly what type of material you’re dealing with.

I know, we all laugh at the legal warnings on those tags and love to rip them off out of pure spite. “Oh yeah? If I remove this tag I’ll get thrown in prison? Come get me, cop’a! You’ll never take me alive!!”

Hopefully you didn’t give in to your inner “1931 James Cagney” (old gangster film “Public Enemy”) and rip off the tags. Different materials require different methods of cleaning. Always check the specific care instructions to avoid damage. They usually show a particular code to indicate the best general method for cleaning:

• “W” means it’s safe to use water to clean
• “S” means it’s NOT safe to use water… use a solvent-based cleaner instead
• “WS” means either water or solvent-based cleaners are safe
• “X” means “vacuum only” – no water or solvent-based cleaners

The following are cleaning tips for various kinds of materials. Try to test the appropriate cleaning method on a small or hidden area first before going “all-in” on your cleaning.

How to Clean Your Fabric Couch

How best to clean your couch with a fabric upholstery will depend on the type of stain.

For beverage stains: first, confirm that it’s safe to use water by checking the care tag to see the “W” or “WS” code.

Next, create a DIY cleaning solution by combining the following in a clean spray bottle:

• 1 cup of water (distilled preferred)
• 1 tablespoon of white vinegar
• 1 teaspoon of dishwashing liquid

Once combined, drop-in 1 tablespoon of baking soda and screw on the top before the bubbles overflow. (Combining the baking soda with the vinegar in the mixture will cause the solution to bubble. It’s science!)

Next, spray a white cloth with the cleaning solution. Then gently dab the stains with the cloth — don’t scrub or rub. To keep the stain from spreading as you work, start with the outer edges of the stain and move toward the center. Repeat as needed, then blot dry with a clean towel.

For food stains: dabbing with a mixture of warm water and dish soap may be enough. Again, dab, don’t scrub.

For pet stains such as urine or vomit: it’s best to use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed to deal with these types of stains. Dab, don’t scrub. You may then need to follow-up with a steam cleaning to fully remove the odors.

For ink stains: assuming your fabric care instructions show “WS” or “S”, dab rubbing alcohol with a cotton swab. Don’t use too much alcohol and oversaturate the fabric or the stain may spread.

For oil stains: cover the stain with cornstarch for 15 minutes and let it soak up the oil. Vacuum the cornstarch, then blot gently with soapy water (assuming it’s safe to use water on the fabric).

For blood stains: ok, if this is a frequently occurring problem… first, make a sign and nail it to your front door — it should read something like this: “No knives, razors or other sharp objects will be allowed while sitting on the couch. Make sure all boo-boos are fully bandaged before entering this establishment. Thank you. -The Management.” Although highly uncommon, if you ever find yourself strangely compelled to stab your guests, you really should seek professional help immediately. I’m serious. Halloween or not, it’s totally inappropriate. Just don’t do it!

Next, apply a small amount of hydrogen peroxide to the stain and let sit for 5 minutes. Blot dry with a paper towel and then rub gently with a damp microfiber cloth. Rinse the hydrogen peroxide away by repeatedly blotting with cold water and blotting with a dry cloth until all the hydrogen peroxide has rinsed out.

How to Clean Your Microfiber Couch

Microfiber couches can be a little tricky. Usually they will indicate “S” or “WS” on the care tag, meaning a solvent-based cleaner is your best option. Rubbing alcohol is a great solvent for this purpose.

Spray the stain with rubbing alcohol. Then scrub with a clean white cloth (yes, in this case it’s ok to scrub). Avoid using a colored cloth or sponge since the alcohol may transfer the color to your fabric.

After the fabric has dried (alcohol will dry quickly), finish by using a brush to fluff the fabric in a circular motion.

How to Clean Your Leather Couche

Leather couches come in various finishes. If your couch has a “protected leather” finish, then first test the following in a small or out-of-view area, then move on to the rest of the couch as needed:

• Create a cleaning mixture of equal parts water and white vinegar.
• Dampen (don’t soak) a microfiber cloth with the cleaning mixture.
• Wipe the couch repeatedly, making sure to rinse the microfiber cloth after each wipe.
• Dry with a clean microfiber cloth.

If your leather couch is not “protected leather” then check the suggested cleaning guidelines on the care tag.

We hope these cleaning tips on how to clean your couch help keep your home looking its best. Of course, if you need professional help, reach out to us first as we can refer a cleaning crew or upholstery care specialist to tackle tough cleaning needs. That’s what we’re here for!

Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup, and even other services like upholstery or carpet steam cleaning and window cleaning… we handle it all, so give us a call. We are your ONE-STOP-SHOP for taking care of your home.

Always… At Your Service!
Call Howard: 949.215.9550

Want to know the best ways to clean stainless steel? Howard’s got you covered…

From appliances to sinks and countertops, stainless steel is a popular surface material in modern kitchens. After all, stainless steel is attractive, durable, and stain resistant. It even keeps germs under control since it’s difficult for bacteria to grow on stainless steel.

But there is one drawback to stainless steel… fingerprints!

Cleaning stainless steel can be tricky. There are certain cleaning methods that work well on many surfaces but don’t work well on stainless steel, and can even damage the finish.

Wha-wha-whaaaatttt??

Yep… as it turns out, “stainless steel” can actually be stained after all! It’s stain resistant but not actually stainless, so I’m sure if there are lawyers reading this they may now be preparing the class action lawsuit of the century. But while you wait for that life-changing $1.75 settlement check to arrive in the mail, you can at least start cleaning your stainless steel the right way.

Here are some tips on the best ways to clean stainless steel — and we also point out some common cleaning mistakes you definitely want to avoid!

Let’s start with what NOT to do…

Stainless Steel Cleaning Mistakes

First, if you’re thinking of using a commercial cleaning product, be sure it’s safe to use on stainless steel before you go “all-in”. In other words, be sure to read the instructions and use as directed. Test it on a small, less noticeable area first. Be advised that using the wrong cleaners could even void the warranty on your stainless steel appliance.

As mentioned above, some common household cleaning products work great for many other surfaces but should be avoided with stainless steel.

• Stay away from using anything abrasive. That includes cleanser, steel wool, or abrasive sponges. These can scratch the surface.
  
• Avoid glass cleaner, furniture polish or chlorine-based cleaners, which can damage the finish and even leave stains.

The Best Stainless Steel Cleaning Solution

With all the fancy (and expensive) cleaning products out there, isn’t it hilarious how some of the safest and most effective cleaning can be done with the least expensive and most common household products?

In the case of cleaning your stainless steel surfaces, simple soap and water will work — just use a soft cloth or sponge and rinse with clean water before drying with a microfiber cloth.

But probably the best cleaning solution is simple, everyday, inexpensive white vinegar. Not only does it clear up those pesky fingerprints and oil, but it’s also a natural disinfectant.

Just fill a spray bottle with pure, undiluted white vinegar, spray the surface, and wipe with a rag in the direction of the grain. Then rinse by wiping with a rag dampened with clean water. If the vinegar fumes get a little too intense, just open a window or turn on a fan… the fumes will dissipate quickly.

Of course, sometimes as soon as you clean something, here comes someone to mess it up! It’s like the cleanest surfaces instantly become a magnet for dirty hands. So here’s a “post-cleaning” tip to help prevent new fingerprints after you’ve cleaned the surface: simply apply a small amount of olive oil or baby oil to a soft cloth and buff the surface. This adds a bit of shine and also helps repel new fingerprints, at least for a while.

The Best Way to Clean a Stainless Steel Sink

To effectively clean a stainless steel sink, we take the vinegar solution a step further.

First, rinse your sink thoroughly.

Next, make a paste of 1 part baking soda to 2 parts water and spread it across the sink’s surface. Don’t worry if you can’t cover it fully… just sprinkle a bit more baking soda around the sink.

Now, spray the surface with white vinegar. It will start bubbling-up. Don’t worry, as much as this looks like a science experiment, it will not blow up your kitchen. Instead, this chemical reaction is actually doing some cleaning for you.

At this point, take a clean soft sponge or rag and gently scrub the surface before rinsing with clean water.

Voila! A clean sink!

We love giving useful cleaning tips, but maybe you would rather have a true cleaning professional deal with your stainless steel surfaces and the rest of your kitchen… and then the rest of your home. We don’t blame you. That’s what we’re here for!

Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup, and even other services like carpet steam cleaning and window cleaning… we handle it all, so give us a call. We are your ONE-STOP-SHOP for taking care of your home.

Always… At Your Service!
Call Howard: 949.215.9550

Your kitchen garbage disposal… friend or foe?

Ah, the kitchen garbage disposal. It can be a helpful friend in the kitchen or a smelly foe. We asked for some advice from professional housecleaning teams we refer to clients and got three smart and easy ways to clean it and keep your kitchen smelling fresh!

But first… what happened to garbage disposals? I’m half laughing as I ask this question, because anyone over the age of fifty will remember how you used to be able to put pretty much anything into the garbage disposal and never have a problem! It’s not like the blades were once made of titanium (and now they’re made of aluminum foil?), but nowadays, well, they just don’t seem to make ’em like they used to.

So the first step to keeping yours clean is to keep it functioning properly. It gets a lot more difficult to clean your garbage disposal with fibers from corn husks and celery wrapping around the blades or rancid solidified oil stuck in the motor compartment. Here are the key things to avoid putting down your sink and into your garbage disposal — even if it seems to be able to handle them well enough:

(1) Avoid grease and oil. These can solidify and clog your pipes and the parts of your disposal. And when oil gets rancid, it gets stinky!

(2) Avoid fibrous vegetables. Don’t torture your garbage disposal with stringy veggies like celery, asparagus or broccoli stems, and don’t even try putting corn husks or onion skin into the disposal. These things will wrap around the blades and not only cause jams, but will also create a great environment for breeding smelly bacteria.

(3) Avoid hard objects. “Don’t put fruit pits and bones into the disposal” goes without saying, but this also applies to things you don’t necessarily think of as “hard objects”, like eggshells.

And you’ve heard that coffee grounds are also bad for a sink. It’s true. But while your garbage disposal should be able to handle some wet coffee grounds with ease, the problem is what happens next — they will expand and form a clog deeper in your drain.

Now, even though you have a well-functioning garbage disposal that you continue to use carefully, you still need to regularly clean it. Bacteria will build up in your disposal and create some unpleasant and unappetizing smells in your kitchen. Here are three smart ways to keep your garbage disposal clean…

Cleaning Tip 1: Use Ice Cubes and Salt

A common problem with disposals is that debris will build up on the blades and other parts of the disposal and along the walls. This simple trick will dislodge that debris and clean the blades.

Simply place a handful of ice cubes and a quarter cup of salt into the disposal. While running some cold water, turn on the disposal and let it clear.

Using ice cubes like this is not something you want to do every day, because after all, ice cubes are “hard objects” and hard objects should generally be avoided, but doing this on a monthly basis will not damage the blades… it will actually help keep them sharp. Ice cubes break down much easier than bones or fruit pits and will give your disposal a good scrub without damaging your blades.

Cleaning Tip 2: Use Vinegar and Baking Soda

As a kid, I used to love dazzling my friends with highly sophisticated scientific experiments, like mixing vinegar and baking soda. Little did I know, this simple household mixture is one of the most effective ways to clean and freshen a garbage disposal! Let’s Go, Science!

First, before you do anything else, get the water running hot. You’ll need it for the final step.

Next, battle some nasty odors by dumping a half cup of baking soda into the disposal. “Pulse” the disposal with a couple brief “on & off” actions to get that baking soda worked in. Let it sit for a 15 minutes. Don’t run the water.

Then, pour a cup of white vinegar into the disposal. Again, don’t run the water. You should hear it fizz. That’s the sound of science hard at work, loosening up residues that builds up in the disposal and giving it a good clean.

Wait a few minutes while the cleaning process occurs and then run some hot water to rinse it all down and help further remove any remaining debris and residue.

Cleaning Tip 3: Use Citrus and Baking Soda

This is a great way to keep things fresh and can be done on a daily basis.

Like Tip #2 above, start with a half cup of baking soda into the drain. “Pulse” the disposal with a couple “on & off” actions to get the baking soda worked-in, and then let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soak-up those nasty smells.

Next, drop in some small cut pieces of orange or lemon peels, run some cold water and run the disposal until clear.

Citrus oil is a natural de-greaser and will help break down oils and greasy build-up. It’s also a great natural deodorizer. And finally, the acids in citrus have some antibiotic properties. Although they don’t directly kill bacteria, they do create an environment that prohibits growth of nasty bacteria, including e. coli and salmonella.

No More Garbage Disposal Smells!

The garbage disposal is a leading source of foul kitchen odors, and these cleaning tricks will solve that problem!

Would you rather have a true cleaning professional deal with your sink and the rest of your kitchen… and then the rest of your home? If you answered “YES!” we don’t blame you. That’s what we’re here for!

Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup, and even other services like carpet steam cleaning and window cleaning… we handle it all, so give us a call. We are your ONE-STOP-SHOP for taking care of your home.

Always… At Your Service!
Call Howard: 949.215.9550

The Importance of House Cleaning for Seniors

Maintaining a clean and organized living space is crucial for everyone, but it holds particular significance for elderly individuals. Here are some key reasons why house cleaning is essential for seniors:

1. House Cleaning for Health and Safety

A clean home reduces the risk of infections and illnesses. Dust, mold, and bacteria can lead to respiratory issues and other health problems, which can be particularly severe for older adults with weaker immune systems. Regular cleaning helps to keep these hazards at bay. The cleaning professionals we refer are well acquainted with all the places dust, mold and bacteria can hide — and know how to clean them well!

2. House Cleaning for Fall Prevention

Clutter and unclean floors can be major tripping hazards. For elderly individuals, falls can lead to serious injuries and long-term health issues. Keeping the home tidy and free of obstacles can significantly reduce the risk of falls. Many seniors may have difficulty bending and moving objects around their home, which means it’s that much more important to get outside help from cleaning professionals!

3. House Cleaning for Mental Well-being

You’ve heard the saying, “You are what you eat.” Well, something similar could be said about your surroundings — they have a direct impact on your state of mind. Studies show that a clean and well-organized environment can have a positive impact on mental health. It can reduce stress and anxiety, providing a more pleasant and comfortable living space. This is especially important for elderly individuals who may spend a lot of time at home.

Sometimes we get so used to our “clutter” that we overlook the fact it takes more energy to manage than we realize. You may know where everything is even in a mad pile of papers, but it will be so much easier to find what you need in a tidy environment!

4. Independence

Regular house cleaning can help elderly individuals maintain their independence. By ensuring their living space is safe and manageable, they can continue to live in their own homes longer without the need for constant assistance. Just a quick weekly touch-up from a cleaning professional might be all it takes!

5. Social Engagement

A clean home can encourage social interactions. Elderly individuals may feel more comfortable inviting friends and family over, which can help combat loneliness and isolation.

For seniors, house cleaning is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a safe, healthy, and comfortable environment. Regular cleaning can significantly improve their quality of life and well-being.

Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup… we handle it all, so give us a call.

We also have GREAT REFERRALS for Carpet Steam Cleaning, Window Cleaning and more… we are your ONE-STOP-SHOP for taking care of your home.

Always… At Your Service!
Call Howard: 949.215.9550

Maybe you have a friend who has a friend whose Uncle’s youngest daughter cleans houses with her boyfriend as a part-time job. They don’t have a website or reviews on Google, but your friend’s friend says they do a good job. You tried calling them for references but their voicemail was full. Still, you’re thinking of trying them out with some much-needed house cleaning. After all, their price is super low. So you had your friend’s friend reach out to them and now you’ve got them scheduled to clean your house this coming weekend! Hooray for friends!!

What could possibly go wrong? Plenty!

We have many clients who went down this road — bouncing from one independent maid to another and never really finding “THE ONE”. But once they found Howard’s House Cleaning Referral Agency and got a housecleaning professional for their home, they never looked back!

Here are 3 reasons why clients prefer working with a referral agency like ours vs. independent operators.

(1) We fully vet the pros we refer to you

References are IMPORTANT. You need to know that the person you’re hiring has other current, happy clients. And we’re talking about references from true clients like you with whom they share a professional relationship — not references from their friends and family. Sure, your friend’s friend says this maid (+ boyfriend) are good, but then again, they’re related.

Next, background checks and immigration status checks are CRITICAL. You also need to make sure you’re hiring someone who not only can legally work for you, but also someone you WANT inside your home… someone you feel safe with working around your kids… someone who won’t “accidentally” walk out with your jewelry in their pocket. Can you really trust “maid + boyfriend”?

But do you want to spend your precious time (and money) validating references and running background checks?

When you work with “Howard’s” we completely vet each professional we refer to our clients. We check all the references. You get top-quality professionals cleaning your home, safely and securely.

In addition to security you also get protection from tax exposure. When you use Howard’s House Cleaning Referral Agency, all assigned cleaning companies receive annual 1099’s. In other words, they are paying taxes, and are qualified as Independent Domestic Workers.

(2) You get the right team for the job

Your friend’s friend doesn’t know your home, and the maid (+ boyfriend) she referred to you didn’t really ask more than “How many bedrooms and bathrooms?” when you finally connected. As it turns out, they did an “ok” job on cleaning the living room and the bedrooms, but failed miserably in the kitchen and the bathrooms, and they didn’t even TOUCH the balcony.

What you didn’t know is this part-time “cleaning crew” just can’t handle a house of your size without spending the whole day cleaning! Well, now you know.

You need the right team for the job. When you work with Howard’s House Cleaning Referral Agency, we will tailor a plan to meet your needs. Only then will we refer the best team to handle YOUR job — and then we follow-up to ensure they really ARE the best team for your needs.

The bottom line is, we care. Our clients appreciate the personal touch we provide. We consider our clients an extension of our family.

(3) Reliable, clear communication

You want to get in touch with the maid you hired because you see the job wasn’t handled to your satisfaction. But their voicemail is full… and they don’t respond to texts… and their email bounced (did they misspell “[email protected]”?). Maybe your friend’s friend can talk to her Uncle and get ahold of your maid (+ boyfriend).

On the other hand, you can work with a professional service like ours and always be able to get through to us — by phone, text, email, and website.

And with us, communication is about much more than an open phone line or email inbox. We proactively reach out to you with emailed and texted scheduling reminders, electronic receipts, and post-cleaning surveys. Our work doesn’t end when we refer a professional housecleaning team… we stay in touch with you before, during and after your scheduled cleaning to ensure you’re happy. It’s personal.

Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup… we handle it all, so give us a call.

We also have GREAT REFERRALS for Carpet Steam Cleaning, Window Cleaning and more… we are your ONE-STOP-SHOP for taking care of your home.

Always… At Your Service!
Call Howard: 949.215.9550

Here are four things you can do before your cleaning crew arrives to make sure you get the most out of your house cleaning job:

(1) Clear food and dirty dishes

You probably didn’t hire your house cleaner to clean dirty dishes and put away old food!

(2) Clear kitchen and bathroom countertops

This includes decor items, kitchen utensils, toothbrush holders and beauty products. Since your house cleaner will need to remove everything from the sink areas in order to clean, doing this will save valuable time and ensure things don’t go back into the wrong places.

(3) De-clutter your rooms

YOU may know where everything is in a messy pile but your house cleaner doesn’t! When your house cleaner needs to clean under and around that messy pile, it’s going to have to move — and that’s when things go missing. So organizing your clutter in advance of your cleaning will save you from the frustration of misplaced items. “How did this bag of gummy bears end up OVER HERE?!”

(4) Secure fragile items

If you have fragile or valuable items like vases, artwork or curios, definitely communicate with your cleaner about them. If possible, secure or remove them so they don’t accidentally get damaged.

Doing these four simple things will not only help your house cleaner, but you’ll get more out of your cleaning job. It’s a “win-win”!

Whether you need regularly scheduled cleanings, one-time cleanings, move-in / move-out cleanings, or construction cleanup… we handle it all, so give us a call.

Always… At Your Service!
Call Howard: 949.215.9550

Yes, although our business is housecleaning and home care services, we’re pretty handy in the kitchen, so we’re eager to share our top three easy and delicious recipes that will surely be the star of your Christmas. Have you prepared the ingredients for the delicacies you will enjoy for the family dinner? Don’t fret, we’re here to help!

With the pre-Christmas preparations and housecleaning all sorted out — and hopefully you used our guide, Howard’s Ultimate Christmas Cleaning Checklist to make your life easier — it’s time to focus on the main stage: Dinner!

Preparing Christmas Eve’s main course can be rewarding especially after the look on your loved ones faces after they take that first bite out of your scrumptious cooking.  Let’s face it, though cooking is very rewarding, not everyone can cook up a Michelin star meal. 

Before anything else…Do you need other house cleaning services?

Let’s get back to the blog…

The main course is often the source of many holiday chefs’ woes as this part can be very intimidating. Other parts of the meal such as the side dishes and other accompanying viands can be easily be prepared or purchased but nothing beats a lovingly prepared main course. 

Preparations can be very stressful. Do you really want to be stressed and tired by dinner time? Are you willing to forgo the bonding time with your family this Christmas? Luckily for you Howard’s has got you covered with three recipes that are not only delicious but are also very easy to prepare.   

Perfect Beef Tenderloin for Christmas Eve

Handling Time: 10 mins
Total cooking time: 50 mins

Things you would need:

1 (5- to 7-lb.) beef tenderloin, trimmed
3 tablespoons butter, softened
5 to 7 tsp. kosher salt
¾ teaspoon cracked black pepper

*Note* When seasoning roasts, 1 tsp. of kosher salt to 1-lb of meat. 5-lb serves around 12 guests.

Dip

1 Cup sour cream¼ Cup mayonnaise
¼ Horseradish
5 tsp. Worcestershire
A pinch of salt and pepper to taste

Directions

Tenderloin

1. Make sure your oven is clean to avoid bad smells.
2. Preheat oven to 425°F
3. Place the tenderloin on a wire rack in pan. Start rubbing the butter all over the tenderloin.  Having the butter prepared at room temperature makes this step easier as it will spread faster.
4. Season the tenderloin with salt and pepper. Cover it evenly.
5. Roast at 425°F for 25-30 minutes.  You can also use a meat thermometer inserted to the thickest part of the meat to measure its internal temperature. Make sure that its internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium rare. 
6. Once cooked, let the meat rest for about 15 minutes before slicing.  You can cover the meat loosely with aluminum foil to seal in the juices. 

Dip

1. Start with the sour cream in a bowl.
2. Mix in mayonnaise, horseradish, and Worcestershire.
3. Add in a pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Combine until color is even. Add salt and pepper to taste.

Get more about this recipe here.

All this cooking got your kitchen in a mess? Hey, we’ve got other home care services that can help you…

Here are more of our favorite Christmas Dinner dishes…

Roasted Pork Tenderloin with Golden Potatoes and Herb Dressing

Handling Time: 10 mins
Total cooking time: 50 mins

Things you would need:

1 ½ lbs. beef tenderloin, trimmed
1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt, divided
1 teaspoon black pepper, divided
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
12 ounces baby Yukon Gold potatoes, halved (about 2 cups)
1 cup frozen English peas, thawed
2 tablespoons white wine vinegar

Directions

Pork Tenderloin

1. Start with preheating the oven to 400°F.
2. Season the pork with 3/4 teaspoon each of the salt and pepper. Season evenly to get the maximum taste.
3. Bring out your large overproof skillet and set it over a medium-high flame then add in 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet.
4. Once the oil is hot, add the pork to skillet. Cook until the meat is well browned.  Flip once ever 4 minutes.  Cooking time should be around 8 mins.   
5. Once browned, remove the meat and place it on a plate.  Keep the drippings in skillet and then add 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
6. After that, add in the potatoes and cook over medium-high heat. Cook until the potatoes start to brown.  This should take about 3 minutes.
7. After cooking the potatoes, stir in the remaining 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add in the meat then arrange the potatoes around pork.
8. Place the skillet into the oven and cook for 12 minutes. After cooking, take the skillet out of the oven and add in the peas into skillet, arrange them around the potatoes and then return the skillet into the oven. Roast the meat until the meat thermometer inserted in thickest portion of tenderloin registers 145°F. This takes about 5 minutes.
9. After cooking transfer the pork on a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.  Transfer the potatoes and peas into a serving plate and reserve drippings in skillet.
10.  After that, add vinegar, mustard, and remaining 1 table spoon oil to the skillet then whisk to combine.
11. Cut the pork into 16 slices then arrange with the peas and potatoes on the plate. Top it with the mixture from skillet and finish the dish off with a sprinkle of minced parsley.

Get more about this recipe here.

Crispy Chicken Thighs with White Wine Butter Sauce and Vegetables

Handling Time: 10 mins
Total cooking time: 50 mins

Things you would need:

6 bone-in skin on chicken thighs2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoon ground paprika
1 teaspoon dried basil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Chicken Thighs

1. Start with preheating the oven to 450°F.
2. Lightly grease a baking pan or dish, make sure to pick out a pan or dish that will fit all of the chicken.
3. Place the chicken on the pan skin side up and drizzle the chicken with oil and use a food brush or something similar to coat the chicken skin with oil. This will ensure that we will get that crispy exterior.
4. Time to make the rub.  Mix paprika, basil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. After that, coat the chicken evenly with rub. 
5. Roast the chicken for 35-40 minutes in the oven or until 165°F internal temperature is reached.  Like with out previous recipes, using a meat thermometer will allow you to reach that safe internal temp.
6. Once internal temp has reached 165°F take out the pan and use a food brush to get some of the drippings and coat the chicken tops.  Place the pan inside the oven and use the boiler setting for 1 – 2 minutes to add crispiness.  Make sure to monitor the chicken to avoid burning.  

Get more about this recipe here.

We understand that cooking for the family is fun but not everyone can handle the Christmas cleanup that follows after.  Most of us would like to rest and spend time with our family.

Howard’s will make sure that you will get all the time you need!

With our flagship Maid Service, you can rest assured that Christmas will be stress and worry free. We can handle all the pre- and post-Christmas cleaning for you! We can adjust to your needs and schedule requirements as we offer weekly, bi-weekly, 3+ times per week, occasional cleanings, move-in/out, or one-time cleanings.  You can also rest assured that you will have a home that is cleaner than ever before as we take pride in our work. 

Testimonies from our House Cleaning Clients

Candice and Matt from Fullerton have used our services for a while now. They’ve been regulars ever since last Christmas where we helped them make their home perfect for Christmas.  This is what Candice and Matt have to say about our service,

“Last Christmas was pretty standard.  I was able to cook and setup our dinner get-together nicely.  The following day was a little more problematic though as Matt and I had to rush over our friend’s house and I couldn’t just leave our home the way it was.  

“So, I decided to find a cleaning service before we left and luckily Howard’s was the first service I came across. I couldn’t be happier as working with Howard’s was quick and easy!  I simply gave them a call and they set us up with their cleaning service.  Howard’s really got us out of a pinch. Their cleaning crew is professional and they made my home and kitchen look fresh. I couldn’t recommend them enough. I would rate them 5 out of 5 stars.”   

We also refer more than housecleaning professionals. Call us for other home care needs too!

Howard’s Spotlight

Aside from our flagship housecleaning Maid Services, Howard’s is a 1-STOP-SHOP for home care! Take a look at our Home repairs and restoration services. With our experience and handiness, we’re sure to tackle any home needs you may have.      

Home Repairs and Restoration Services

When something breaks, JUST CALL HOWARD’S

If something in your house breaks, we’ll fix it.  We can refer a quality handyman who can save you valuable time and money.  Instead of spending more time and money looking for and replacing broken fixtures and household items, why not give us a call to help. 

Here at Howard’s, we believe in a convenient 1-STOP-SHOP for your house care needs and most of all, we believe in doing things right!

Leave it to us to maintain your home and let it shine this Christmas.

We’re Your “1-STOP-SHOP” for Home Care

Howard’s House Cleaning Referral Agency is now your “1-STOP-SHOP” family of house cleaning and home care service providers. To sum up, here are the following referral services we offer:

Do you want to know why we are the best housecleaning and home care referral service? See for yourself and book a cleaning appointment with us. Experience the best house cleaning referral agency!

From our family to yours, Howard’s wishes you a “Happy Holidays”, a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year! We look forward to being with you again in the year 2021.

Have you already planned your Christmas cleaning? Howard’s is waiting for your call!

Wait? What? It’s that time of the year again? Christmas trees, jingle bells and Christmas carols set the mood for festivities; it’s the Christmas Season!

We all know that Thanksgiving can be stressful but Christmas preparations can bring a whole new level of stress.  From gift buying, to grocery shopping, your energy levels will surely deplete while your home sits there waiting to be touched up.

Do you really want to be stressed and tired by Christmas? Are you willing to forgo the bonding time with your family? Howard’s home care one-stop-shop is here to help you out. 

Before anything else…Do you need other house cleaning services?

Going back, it seems not too long ago it was the New Year and we were hopeful for what the new year would bring. Then the next moment was a global crisis that shook us to the very core. Nevertheless, Howard’s would like to thank each and every one of you for being a part of our family.  

Time sure does fly. There are only a few weeks to go before Christmas Day and stress is mounting as there are so many gifts to buy and food to prepare. Some might have thought of last year’s Christmas as a lesson in being disorganized, so vowed to never let it get to a point where they become stressed. But as with everything else, time will hamper our plans.    

Preparing to host visitors over the holiday season entails paying urgent attention to your home and all of its corners, crevices and commonly used areas. More often than not, a busy schedule will leave these overlooked. This is where the stress starts.

How do we go about reducing the Christmas cleaning stress? With a good schedule of course! A good schedule will not only ensure that the Christmas feast and all the gifts will be prepared but it also means your home will be clean and ready for all the guests! Scheduling chores can be daunting especially if you don’t know where to start. 

Luckily, Howard’s is here to help you prepare your house for the holiday season. We’ve put together an easy-to-follow guide that’ll ready your home from top to bottom, leaving you with more time and less stress!

Three Weeks Before Christmas

The Living room and Common Places

It’s a good idea to prepare the living room as this is where most guests will be spending time.  Before putting up that Christmas tree in all of its glittering glory, move all carpets and furniture away and start vacuuming the carpet, floors, and surfaces.  While you’re at it, vacuum or sweep around common places as well.

After this, designate a space for the tree and get to decorating. 

Also, it’s a good idea to dust off surfaces and if you have a fireplace, it’s a good time to clean it too. Preparing a disinfection station in common areas is also a good idea.

Speaking of carpets and floors, we have a service fit for that and more.

Let’s get back to our topic…

Two Weeks Before Christmas

The Kitchen, Cupboards, Utensils and Bathrooms

Just before everything gets hectic, prepare the kitchen, utensils, and cupboards in advance. For the kitchen, thoroughly clean the oven and stovetop exhaust range. The range is particularly important as this will help reduce food smells that can stick to surfaces.  

The fridge and cupboards also need to have their surfaces wiped down to prepare them for all the food storage.    

As for the utensils and china, it’s better to prepare the china and other utensils that you plan on using ahead of time to avoid the unnecessary cleaning rush that will result in broken pieces.  

Also, clean bathrooms that guests will be using. Pay extra attention to surfaces such as the floors, sink, toilet, and mirrors. If a guest is staying over, cleaning the shower and tub won’t hurt.  

In need of someone to clean up bathroom and kitchen surfaces? Don’t fret. Howard’s is here to the rescue.

One Week Before Christmas

Guest Bedrooms, Living and Dining Room, Kitchen

If you’ve got someone staying over, prepare the guest bedroom’s towels, sheets and blankets. Try to have fresh set ready and if not, wash, iron and roll them in advance. It won’t hurt to vacuum and dust the room’s surfaces as well. 

As for the living room, touch up on the surfaces and vacuum any loose pine needles around the tree and the carpets.  

For the dining room, prepare the table in advance and ready everything you want to set on the table. Having these prepared allows you to set up the Christmas day table with minimal time required. As for the kitchen, though not a cleaning tip, try to get what you need in advance. Lines will be longer this holiday season.  

While Christmas cleaning can stressful and time consuming, preparing your home in advance will certainly help you reduce stress, clear your mind and focus on your loved ones.     

We understand that not everyone can handle the holiday cleanup and luckily, Howard’s has got you covered. With our flagship Maid Service, you can rest assured that Christmas will be stress and worry free.

We can handle all the pre- and post-Christmas cleaning for you! We can adjust to your needs and schedule requirements as we offer weekly, bi-weekly, 3+ times per week, occasional cleanings, move-in/out, or one-time cleanings.  You can also rest assured that you will have a home that is cleaner than ever, as the professional house cleaners we refer take pride in our work. 

Proven and Tested by Clients

Donna and Dave are Irvine house cleaning clients for many years. We were able to help them a great deal last Christmas and this what Donna has to say about our service:

“Last Christmas season was hectic. I was working in retail and we were very busy with the Christmas rush. Though my husband was around, he had to work nights so cleaning was out of the question for him. So, I decided to find cleaners. Howard’s was the first service I came across and decided to hire them. I couldn’t be happier the result! Howard’s came to our rescue.  I simply gave them a call and they set us up with their cleaning service.  I was then able to focus on Christmas preparations and more importantly, I was stress-free and I was able to spend time more time with family and friends. I would rate them 5 out of 5 stars.”

Howard’s Spotlight – Window Cleaning Services

Aside from our flagship Maid Services, we also have Window Cleaning Services. We specialize in making your windows look clear and fresh.

Here at Howard’s, we believe that customers should get the best value for their money. Some jobs are best left to the professionals. 

Though window cleaning can sound easy, it requires the right expertise and products to ensure that your windows remain clean and serviceable. Not all windows are created equal as there are various types of window materials.

Professionals are needed to make sure that the proper cleaning and maintenance methods are used. Improper window maintenance will lead to scratches, etches, pitting and even worse, breakage.

Fortunately, we believe in cleaning things, not breaking them! Why not give us a call and do your home a favor. Leave it to us to maintain your home.

We’re Your “One-Stop Shop” for Cleaning and Home Care Needs

Do you want to know why we are the best in Irvine? See for yourself and book a house cleaning appointment with us. Experience the best house cleaning referral agency in Orange County and L.A County.

With Thanksgiving on the plate, you might be even busier with your family and of course, cooking preparations. Let’s face it, the main highlight of the day is the scrumptious food, aside from the lovely people around you!

Not only does Thanksgiving require hours of cooking but also requires tons of preparation time and cleaning time for your home as well.  If you’ve ever hosted a get-together, you’ll be very familiar with the exhaustion that comes after.

Luckily, Howard’s has some tips on how to manage your cleaning time and effort so that you won’t end up stressed and overworked.  We suggest that you plan ahead, tackle big to-do’s first, and focus on the places where you’ll be spending time the most. 

Here is the Thanksgiving checklist to prep your home for the celebration:

Prepare the China and Utensils

Wash or polish the tableware you’re planning on using. Do this ahead of time to avoid the unnecessary cleaning rush that will result in broken pieces. 

Thoroughly Vacuum and Sweep Surfaces 

Pay extra attention to couches or surfaces where guests may lounge! No one likes to get the sniffles.

Make sure the bathroom looks neat

Clean up the surfaces such as the floors, sink, toilet, and mirrors.  If a guest is staying over, cleaning the shower and tub won’t hurt.

Polish the oven and stovetop exhaust range

You’ll want to have a clean range to help reduce food smells that can stick to surfaces

Tidy up the kitchen countertops

Guests often find themselves inside the kitchen.

Throw away the trash

These will be full after all your cooking.

Prepare a disinfection station

It helps with the times! Place a hand-washing soap or a hand sanitizer.

While Thanksgiving can be a lot of work, spending time with the people you love is very rewarding. Cleaning ahead of time can reduce your workload and stress, leaving you more time with your loved ones. 

If you’re in a pinch, Howard’s has got you covered. With our flagship Maid Service, you can rest assured that this Thanksgiving will be stress and worry free. We can handle all the Thanksgiving cleaning for you! We can adjust to your needs and schedule requirements as we offer weekly, bi-weekly, 3+ times per week, occasional cleanings, move-in/out, or one-time cleanings. You can also rest assured that you will have a home that is cleaner than ever before as we take pride in our work. 

Jane and Frank from Irvine are our ever-loyal customers after we were able to help them during a Thanksgiving pinch.  This is what Jane had to say about our service, “Last Thanksgiving was almost a nightmare but luckily, Howard’s came to our rescue. Frank and I were busy with our jobs as we were trying to beat deadlines.  With all the preparations we had to do, we completely forgot about tidying up! We gave Howard’s a call and they set us up with their cleaning services.  We were able to focus on Thanksgiving preparations and more importantly, we were able to spend time with our family and friends stress free. I would rate them 5 out of 5 stars.”   

Howard’s Spotlight

Aside from our flagship Maid Services, we also have Stainless Steel “Scratch” Repair Services. We specialize in making your sink, kitchen tops, almost any stainless-steel fixture you may have look brand spanking new. 

Stainless Steel Scratch Repair Services

Here at Howard’s, we believe that customers should get the best value for their money. If you’ve spent a couple of grand on stainless fixtures and appliances, then it would be a waste to replace it outright!

Even though stainless-steel is a very durable material, there will always be a point where scuffs and marks can’t be avoided. 

Luckily for you, we believe in the saying, REPAIR IT… DON’T REPLACE IT. Why not give us a call and save some money!

Leave it to us to maintain to your home.

We’re Your “1-Stop-Shop” for all Your Cleaning and Home Care Needs

Howard’s House Cleaning Referral Agency Inc. is now your “ONE-STOP SHOP” family of home care service providers. To sum up, here are the following referral services we offer:

Do you want to know why we are the best in Irvine, Newport Beach — and the rest of Orange County and L.A.? See for yourself and book a house cleaning appointment with us. Experience the best house cleaning referral agency in Orange County and L.A County.

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Enjoy our latest BLOG about “FOG” Sanitizing: https://www.howardshousecleaning.com/what-is-deep-fog-sanitizing/